The German social security system consists of five pillars: health insurance, long-term care insurance, pension insurance, unemployment insurance and accident insurance.
For you as a visiting fellow who will come to HSU/ UniBw H without a contractual obligation, only the obligation to take out health insurance applies.
If you will be working at HSU/ UniBw H on the basis of an employment contract or other contract-like relationship, you will be informed and administered accordingly by the Department IV of HSU/ UniBw H responsible for you.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is compulsory in Germany, which means that regardless of your nationality or residence permit – with or without an employment contract – you are obliged to have valid health insurance at all times during your stay in Germany; this also applies to your accompanying family members.
You must provide proof of sufficient health insurance cover when you apply for your visa at the German diplomatic mission abroad (Embassies or Consulates).
EU- and EEA citizens
As holder of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), EU or EEA citizens have sufficient health insurance cover for a temporary stay in Germany. Health insurance cover includes any necessary medical treatment that cannot wait until return to your home country.
Relatives from third countries
Third-country nationals should first enquire about the extent to which your health insurance fund in your home country covers medical treatment in Germany and whether you need to take out supplementary insurance.
If this is not possible and if you are staying in Germany for longer than six weeks, you must take out insurance with a German health insurance company. The health insurance system in Germany is very complex (further information can be found here (MS supply)
As a visiting fellow without an employment contract and with an entry visa in accordance with § 18d AufenthG, you have the option of voluntarily taking out statutory health insurance.
If you are a scholarship holder spending your guest stay at HSU/ UniBw H, please enquire with your scholarship provider whether your scholarship includes health insurance cover.
Please note that travel health insurance does not usually cover the actual costs of medical treatment required in germany in the event of an accident or illness.
Liability and accident insurance
We recommend that you always take out liability and accident insurance for the duration of your stay in Germany in addition to your compulsory health insurance.
Private liability insurance covers you if you unintentionally cause damage to third parties – be it personal injury, property damage or financial loss; otherwise you will have to pay for the damage with your private assets.
We also recommend that you always take out accident insurance.
There are insurance companies that offer a complete package with health, accident and liability insurance.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Further information below:
- Hamburg Welcome Center – General Information on Health Insurance
- EURAXESS – General Information on Health Insurance
- EURAXESS – General Information on Optional Insurance
- European Commission – European Health Insurance Card EHIC
- DAAD – General Information on Healthcare System in Germany
Letzte Änderung: 15. July 2025